Plus Sized Pregnancyhttp://plussizedpregnancy.com
All you need for a healthy and happy Plus Sized PregnancyMon, 19 Jun 2017 17:40:29 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.16https://i1.wp.com/plussizedpregnancy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-Untitled-design-5.jpg?fit=32%2C32Plus Sized Pregnancyhttp://plussizedpregnancy.com
3232111518831The PCOS Fertility Diethttp://plussizedpregnancy.com/pcos-fertility-diet/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/pcos-fertility-diet/#respondThu, 12 Jan 2017 18:04:05 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=283Becoming pregnant with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be a daunting task. In fact, many women are told during their initial diagnosis that fertility is going to be a problem. But experts say following a PCOS Fertility Diet can help increase your odds of conceiving. When I first set out to find information about a […]

]]>Becoming pregnant with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be a daunting task. In fact, many women are told during their initial diagnosis that fertility is going to be a problem. But experts say following a PCOS Fertility Diet can help increase your odds of conceiving.

When I first set out to find information about a PCOS eating plan? I was bombarded with information, much of it conflicting! So I decided to comb through and find as much accurate information as I could, then compile it all here!

The Benefits of the PCOS Fertility Diet

Helps to increase chance of ovulation

Makes the uterine lining a better environment for implantation

Maintains that environment to decrease the risk of miscarriage

Helps fight insulin resistance to decrease other PCOS side effects

The Basics of the PCOS Fertility Diet

1. Choose foods that are lower on the glycemic index. PCOS causes insulin levels to surge, so controlling them is an important part in both weight loss and fertility! PCOSNutrition.com published a fantastic post that really helps to understand the relationship between PCOS and the Glycemic Index. And Harvard Medical School has published a fairly comprehensive list of common foods and their glycemic index.

To chose lower glycemic index foods? You should reach for vegetables, non-refined carbs (unprocessed, grain intact) and avoid sugary beverages and foods, even some fruits! And one that shocked me? Don’t overcook your pasta! (It stops the process of breaking down the carbohydrates.)

2. Go for High Fiber foods. Avoiding processed food will naturally pull you into the higher fiber category, as many fruits, vegetables and whole grains are naturally higher in fiber! Basically? The more you naturally have to chew the food, the higher in fiber it is! (Added bonus? A high fiber diet will help your body to metabolize estrogen! This will help balance out the hormones that PCOS wreaks havoc with.)

3. Include lean proteins and healthy fats. I feel like I’m just repeating what most any popular diet will tell you, but it’s so important to watch the protein and fat you’re taking in! Healthy fats (like Olives, Avacados and seeds and nuts) and lean protein help your body to slowly absorb the nutrients it needs, while keeping your hormone levels balanced.

4. Eat more times per day, in smaller portions. The key to battling PCOS is to keep your blood sugars and hormones balanced, so having 5 small meals per day will help your body to balance it’s digestion and processing. This will help boost your energy, your blood sugar and keep you from getting so hungry that you break down and eat anything in site! (Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything on this one, ha ha!)

5. Include your daily dose of vitamins. There’s a reason doctors are always recommending vitamins! So much in our diets lacks (or you’d have to eat an insane amount to reach the daily limits our bodies need) and vitamins are a simple way to get this nutritional boost! (Check out PSP’s 6 Vitamins that Increase Fertility!)

Maintaining a balanced and nutritional diet, low in the glycemic index will help your body to regulate itself and naturally increase your odds of conceiving with PCOS! While a PCOS diagnosis is often a devastating blow, it’s one that proper diet can help to eliminate the side effects in most cases.! ]

*Plus Sized Pregnancy is not a medical professional, please see our complete disclosure.

]]>http://plussizedpregnancy.com/pcos-fertility-diet/feed/02836 Best Fertility Appshttp://plussizedpregnancy.com/6-best-fertility-apps/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/6-best-fertility-apps/#respondThu, 12 Jan 2017 03:30:13 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=262We have an app for everything, and if you’re anything like me? That’s the way you like it! In fact, two weeks ago I was without my phone for three days and I was utterly lost! And app love can cross over into TTC and Pregnancy! For the past few years I’ve used a variety […]

]]>We have an app for everything, and if you’re anything like me? That’s the way you like it! In fact, two weeks ago I was without my phone for three days and I was utterly lost! And app love can cross over into TTC and Pregnancy! For the past few years I’ve used a variety of apps to track my cycles, even when I’m not actively TTC or pregnant I find this an important tool!

So without much more babbling, here’s my pick for apps! (In no particular order.)

6 of the best fertility apps

What It Is:Fertility Friend is pretty cut and dry. There aren’t a lot of bell’s and whistles – but it’s easy to use to track you cycle and predict the best days for TTC or testing!

Cost: FREE! (But there is a $45/year premium membership with access to message boards.)

Why we like it: It’s tried and true! I first used FF when I got married back in 2004! While there have been updates and tweaks since then? They’ve been minor. I love the simplicity of this app!

What It Is:Clue claims “The more you use it, The smarter it gets” This app tracks more than just your cycle, it tracks your moods and many more factors! Plus, you can ask it questions!

Cost: FREE!

Why we like it: It’s beautiful, user friendly and full of features! I’ll be totally honest? Aesthetically? Clue is one of my favorites!

What it is:Ovia is one of the best “all around” apps for fertility, pregnancy and early parenting! Claims that “users conceive up to 3x faster than the national average.” (Which means it’s worth a try!!)

Why we love it: Information overload! I can spend ALL day browsing this app! I have to admit, my absolute favorite aspect? The daily “Fertility Score” to help you know if it’s time to do the deed or not!!

What it is:Glow tracks your period, mood, symptoms, sex, and medications! It predicts ovulation and is just plain pretty!

Cost: Free! (But here’s the awesome kicker – you can contribute to their program and if you don’t conceive within 10 months? You can use that towards fertility treatments!)

Why we love it: Glow encourages the dad’s to interact as well! Add in the add-on apps of Nurture (pregnancy) Baby, and Eve (post-pregnancy sex life) this is a great all around app that’s easy to use and full of information!

Cost: Free with the option to purchase Wink, an electronic BBT thermometer that syncs directly to the app.

Why we love it: Sometimes? Simplicity just wins out. I have found through my journey that if we are actively trying to conceive and having little luck? I don’t want to track my mood, my symptoms or any of that! (False hope and frustration drove me crazy at times!) I just want the bare basics – and Kindara is a great way to do that!

What it is:Natural Cycles tracks the basics, and is a nice “in-between” of many of these apps – it’s clean and precise like Kindara and Fertility Friend, but tracks more than the basics like many of the others. Also, predicts up to six cycles in advance. (Great for planning vacations around conceiving!)

Have you used one of these fertility apps? Or do you have another favorite? I’d love to hear all about it!

]]>http://plussizedpregnancy.com/6-best-fertility-apps/feed/0262Understanding the risks of Plus Size Pregnancyhttp://plussizedpregnancy.com/understanding-risks-plus-size-pregnancy/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/understanding-risks-plus-size-pregnancy/#respondFri, 24 Jun 2016 17:32:34 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=251We live in a culture of fear. A simple Google search of “Plus Size Pregnant” will fill you with hundreds of reasons your pregnancy could contain a medical disaster. (And sadly, they read more like “These things WILL happen to you!” not “might”… And they tend to leave out that they also MIGHT happen to […]

]]>We live in a culture of fear. A simple Google search of “Plus Size Pregnant” will fill you with hundreds of reasons your pregnancy could contain a medical disaster. (And sadly, they read more like “These things WILL happen to you!” not “might”… And they tend to leave out that they also MIGHT happen to a woman who is not-plus size.) Understanding the risks of Plus Size Pregnancy is important. It’s equally important to not live in fear. (Stress can lead to pregnancy complications – high blood pressure, fatigue, etc! So don’t live in that place of fear!)

Plus Size Model, Tess Holliday has been very outspoken in the media this year about Plus Size Pregnancy Shaming, and while she isn’t always my cup of tea? I think she has been AMAZING for this movement.

Here’s the thing, the moment where I am totally honest with you. My last pregnancy? I weighed 210 lbs when I found out I was pregnant. I gained 30. I had a normal, healthy pregnancy for the most part. I had a normal healthy baby. But? I lived in fear. I was convinced I was going to get Gestational Diabetes. (I didn’t.) I was going to have a giant baby, with possible complications from the diabetes. I was so paranoid that I didn’t get a chance to enjoy my pregnancy. (And I fully believe that stress led to elevated blood pressure, which lead to preeclampsia.)

So let’s be real. We need to be educated about the potential complications. We need to know how to take care of ourselves so that we can best avoid those complications when possible. But then? We need to not stress. We need to enjoy our pregnancy, and keep ourselves healthy for the sake of our babies!

What qualifies as a plus size pregnancy?

Plus Size is typically synonymous with “Overweight” – so let’s look at those factors. (I hate pulling up these technical terms, they will likely bum me out for the rest of the day. But, it’s important to be informed.)

Having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of greater than 25 is considered overweight. Having a BMI of greater than 30 puts you in the “Obese” category. But once you look at the Obesity category? There are three levels that are associated with increasing health risks.

(PLEASE!!! Try not to let these numbers freak you out. It’s important to know them, as there ARE health risks associated with being overweight/obese. But? As long as you are making steps towards taking care of yourself? You’re on the right track!!)

Potential risks of plus size pregnancy

Let’s just jump in. The most common risks for the plus size pregnant woman? Here they are.

Miscarriage.

Gestational Diabetes.

Preeclampsia.

Sleep Apnea.

These risks all come with risks to both mom and baby. And while they are more likely to occur in a Plus Size pregnancy? They also happen in pregnancies of “normal weight”.

Let’s look closer at a few of these risks.

Miscarriage. I hate this one. I hate that it has to be brought up. In the past few months, I have watched three friends – all skinny, if you must know – go through this. It’s awful and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. The devastation of losing a pregnancy is something I can’t even begin to describe.

No one fully understands or can explain the reasonings behind miscarriages. (Most of the time there is no cause that can 100% explain why a woman has miscarried.) With plus size pregnancies? PCOS (and the related hormone imbalances) often tend to be the culprits.

Gestational Diabetes. I have admitted on numerous occasions that this was always my biggest fear. Plus Size women may be tested twice (once earlier than normal) during their pregnancies for GD, since their risk is higher. This also leads to the higher likelihood of a cesarean delivery.

Preeclampsia. While the risks of preeclampisa are scary (seizures and in rare cases, stroke) it’s also easily detectable! (I had Pre-e during my last pregnancy, and it was caught very early and monitored closely – turned out just fine for me!) WebMD has some great resources for more information about PreEclampsia.

Sleep Apnea. I have to admit, this is one that was new to me when I started researching! I didn’t realize that Sleep Apnea could be caused by pregnancy!! (And luckily, if you get it while pregnant? It’s likely to go away after!) The Sleep Foundation has more in-depth information about Pregnancy induced Sleep Apnea.

So what do I do about preventing/monitoring these risks?

First? Take a deep breath! Just because these risks are higher during a Plus Size Pregnancy? Doesn’t mean you’re absolutely going to get them! Having a great doctor that you trust and respect is a HUGE help in preventing and calming your mind about these risk factors.

Know what to look for with these disorders; with each explanation above, I posted a link to a great site which shows the signs and symptoms to look for! If you are worried that you may have one of these conditions, please bring it up with your doctor ASAP!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record? Proper sleep/rest, hydration, diet and exercise are the keys to a healthy pregnancy! If you’re taking care of yourself in the best way you can? Your body can respond better to any potential risks that pop up! So now is the time to really focus on your own mental and physical health!

Have you experienced any of these risk factors in your pregnancies? We’d love to hear your story to help inspire others who may be going through it! Please leave a comment below!!

]]>http://plussizedpregnancy.com/understanding-risks-plus-size-pregnancy/feed/0251PCOS and Fatigue: 6 ways to boost energyhttp://plussizedpregnancy.com/pcos-fatigue-6-ways-boost-energy/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/pcos-fatigue-6-ways-boost-energy/#respondFri, 24 Jun 2016 03:45:49 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=243 One of the symptoms that people tend to overlook when it comes to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is exhaustion! For me? PCOS and fatigue have gone hand in hand, in the most frustrating way!! (I don’t think I was this tired when I was pregnant and working 11 hour days!) When my PCOS is […]

One of the symptoms that people tend to overlook when it comes to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is exhaustion! For me? PCOS and fatigue have gone hand in hand, in the most frustrating way!! (I don’t think I was this tired when I was pregnant and working 11 hour days!)

When my PCOS is at it’s worst? I feel like a walking Zombie. Getting anything accomplished is near impossible. So I thought I’d share with you 6 ways to boost energy when PCOS and fatigue rear their ugly heads!

Before I go on? I want to state that you should ALWAYS consult your doctor, but I also strongly feel that in most cases PCOS symptoms can be managed in natural ways! (And thus most of my tips here will be things you can do on your own, at home! And they are just generally good health habits to have even if you don’t have PCOS.)

6 simple ways to boost your energy and beat PCOS and Fatigue!

SLEEP! I know, seems like a no-brainer. But make sure you’re getting a full 6-9 hours of sleep per night. Your body needs this nightly chunk of shut eye to reboot it’s systems and level out the hormone levels. This is especially important when you have the hormone imbalances that come along with PCOS!

Hydrate! Water is so very important to keeping your body functioning at it’s peak. Recently (during a string of 104* F days) I thought I was keeping hydrated, but wasn’t getting enough water! This led to three full days of sluggish exhaustion. I could barely get out of bed, let alone take care of myself and my family. So if the fatigue monster is sneaking up on you? Drink up!

Diet! If you’re here? You’ve probably had that annoying word shoved at you more than you care to admit. (I know there are periods in my life where I think I may punch the next person who says that word!) But realistically? This is the best way to control your PCOS, and cutting complex carbs and sugars from your diet will boost your energy significantly!

Vitamin D! Low Vitamin D is a HUGE contributor to fatigue. How can you get more Vitamin D without popping a daily vitamin? (Although there’s nothing wrong with that – I take one as part of my daily vitamin regimen.) Sunlight is of course a great way to spur the creation of Vitamin D in our bodies! (Of course, use sunscreen!) Eat Fish, Salmon and tuna are HUGE sources of Vitamin D. Milk is always a good source too. (Although if you’re like me and can’t stomach too much dairy? Look for specifically labeled Orange Juice! Minute Maid Kids + is our bottle of choice.)

Exercise! The old physics adage “An object in motion will stay in motion” applies here as well! I know, you’re exhausted and the last thing you want to do is move more! (Trust me. I know. I spent all day yesterday in bed. I didn’t move. At all. Because I let PCOS and fatigue get me down.) But really, once you get moving? Your body will want to keep moving. it will begin to produce endorphins that will keep you going. (And, exercise is always good when you’re trying to boost your fertility!)

Destress! Take a good inventory of your mental state. Is there something stressing you out? Dive deep and figure out what that may be! Stress raises the levels of cortisol in the body, which plays a HUGE role in our levels of energy! (And of course, our crazy hormones are so up and down when we have PCOS, so anything we can do to help them maintain a “normal” level is a huge help!)

I tried all these tips, now what?

Are you still feeling exhausted? Sometimes the cause of our fatigue goes far beyond PCOS, and a doctors input is necessary.

A few other causes of exhaustion (which are unfortunately also common conditions for women with PCOS):

Low Vitamin Levels (specifically B12 and D)

Depression

Sleep Apnea

Hypothyroidism

Are you a member of club-PCOS and suffer from fatigue? I’d love to hear any tips you have to share in the comments!

]]>http://plussizedpregnancy.com/pcos-fatigue-6-ways-boost-energy/feed/02435 tips for friends of (plus size) pregnant womenhttp://plussizedpregnancy.com/friends-pregnant-women/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/friends-pregnant-women/#respondThu, 09 Jun 2016 02:32:38 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=231While this post really could be for the friend of ANY pregnant woman? Some of these problems are magnified in the pregnancy of a plus size woman! So if you’re the family or friend of a plus size pregnant woman (or any pregnant woman) I have 5 tips for friends of pregnant women to help be the best […]

While this post really could be for the friend of ANY pregnant woman? Some of these problems are magnified in the pregnancy of a plus size woman! So if you’re the family or friend of a plus size pregnant woman (or any pregnant woman) I have 5 tips for friends of pregnant women to help be the best support for her that you can be!

5 tips for friends of pregnant women

If you’re curious how far along she is? Just ask! (Of course, it’s never ok to just assume someone is pregnant – but if she’s opened the door to that conversation? It’s ok to simply say “How far along are you?” or “When are you due?” — Of course this is ONLY after you are 100% certain she is pregnant!!!

Once she answers? Don’t (under any circumstances) make a snarky comment! Chances are good that no matter what you guessed? Its incorrect. Each pregnancy is different, and it’s common for plus size women to look either FAR more pregnant than they are, or not any different than normal!! (With my last pregnancy, I didn’t really show at all until 30 weeks. I delivered at 35 weeks, so I only “looked pregnant” for about 5 weeks! And now? depending on my choice of shirt? I may look 6 months pregnant when I’m not at all!)

Do NOT give (unsolicited) advice! Pregnant women get more advice than you can imagine. And there are so many things to worry about as a plus size pregnant woman (Gestational Diabetes, Miscarriage, etc) that they do NOT need you asking if they’re exercising or eating properly. Leave that to her doctor!

Be excited with and for them! Unfortunately, infertility rates are higher among plus size women, so chances are good that your friend had a tougher road to pregnancy. Be excited for her. But please do not worry about her! (See previous tip.) Chances are also good that she is doing enough of that herself and just needs someone to be excited for her.

Don’t be critical. I know this is sort of a given. Or at least it should be. I have a good friend who is only trying to be helpful, but it is often taken as snarky, judgmental and critical. (And I’m not even pregnant, yet!!!) Being pregnant makes all women more sensitive – so imagine if you have a weight problem/self confidence issues/etc, and someone is trying to be helpful but you are hyper-sensitive. Chances are good you’re going to hurt some feelings. So keep to the old adage – if you don’t have anything nice to say? Don’t say anything at all!

Really, what it comes down to? Be a good friend – just as you would be the rest of the time!! Be supportive, loving and compassionate. Be willing to give advice and share web links when asked – but otherwise? Just treat her the same as you always do!

Do you have any tips for friends of pregnant women? Please leave a comment and share your advice!

]]>http://plussizedpregnancy.com/friends-pregnant-women/feed/023111 questions to ask on your maternity hospital tourhttp://plussizedpregnancy.com/10-questions-ask-maternity-hospital-tour/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/10-questions-ask-maternity-hospital-tour/#respondMon, 06 Jun 2016 22:05:17 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=223One of the things I looked forward to the most (but was least prepared for) was the maternity hospital tour! There are so many different questions you could ask – in fact? I’m sure this list could be infinite! But I wanted to share with you what I thought were some of the most important […]

One of the things I looked forward to the most (but was least prepared for) was the maternity hospital tour! There are so many different questions you could ask – in fact? I’m sure this list could be infinite! But I wanted to share with you what I thought were some of the most important ones! (And of course, I have a few sub-questions, so the list is actually a bit longer!)

1.What is your check in Procedure? Do I come straying to L&D? Do I head to the ER first? Do I need my doctor to refer me? (Yes, these questions seem silly – but I had a friend rejected while in hard labor because her doctor didn’t call ahead!!! Granted, this was a small town hospital, but still!!)

2.What is your policy on visitors? This is one I didn’t even think to ask my first go-round! (And I lucked out that my hospital was insanely liberal in this area – my parents were able to come up to visit at 1:30am when they got into town! Which is lucky because they hadn’t been to my house in 4 years and I’d given them the wrong directions! Pregnancy brain is a scary thing sometimes.)

Sub questions:
*What are visiting hours? How many people are allowed in the actual birthing room? (What’s your policy on my children in the birthing room?)
*What is your security policy for entering and leaving the maternity floor? (Is there open access to the floor, or do people need to be buzzed in/approved?)

3.What is your policy on technology? This is one thing that is vastly different across hospitals – and even if you know the hospitals policy? The neonatal/maternity floors often have yet another policy of their own!

Sub Questions:
*Can I use my cell phone?
*Do you have policy on Video/Photography during labor and after baby is born?
*Is there WiFi? (I spent three days on bedrest in the hospital, and I was lost without WiFi! (I can’t imagine a longer time – I used my cell phone hotspot!)

4.Can you tell me about your average birthing experience? Asking this way will open the door for them to (potentially) tell you their C-section rate, policies on epidurals, etc. But in case they don’t? I’ve got a list of sub questions! Sometimes though, this will be a place for them too (hopefully) openly give you a bulk of their information!

Sub Questions:
*How friendly is this hospital towards natural-birth? (I was offered an epidural BEFORE I was even induced!! That drove me insane, since I wanted to attempt as natural as possible.)
*What’s your C-section rate? (Again, this often depends on the specific doctor, but doesn’t hurt to ask!)
*Do you have showers/birthing pools/tubs available? Are they in the room or more “community environment”?
*What about birthing tools? Balls/Birth Stools/Etch – and can I bring my own?
*Am I allowed to walk during labor? In room/In Hall/? May I see that location (if out of room) ?
*Am I allowed to eat/drink during labor?

5.How often do you preform fetal monitoring? This is one that seemed like a no-brainer to me, but I was shocked at how rarely this was done at my hospital! (And yet the hospital across town? My friends told me they never stopped bugging them to monitor on the hour!)

6.Tell me a little about the rooms? Of course, this should be a standard part of the tour! But, it never hurts to ask more detailed questions! (Or maybe all the rooms were in use when you visited!)

Sub Questions
*Will I stay in the same room the entire time? (My hospital has rooms specifically for labor, and then separate rooms for post-birth.)
*What’s the cost to upgrade to a private room?

7.Can you tell me about meal services? I know this doesn’t seem super important, but trust me? It can be!! I never thought to ask, and after 2 days of not eating (thanks to my hospitals labor policy) I was STARVED and so sad that I had to wait an extra 6 hours before the hospital café opened!!

Sub Questions:
*Where is the dining room/cafeteria/café? And what are meal hours? (Your family may be hanging around and want to eat too!)
*Am I automatically charged for meals while I am here?

8.How does the hospital feel about formula/breast feeding? No matter which route you are going? It’s important that your hospital is supportive of your choices! (And that you’re prepared to advocate for yourself, or have an advocate appointed in case you’re not able to fight for yourself!)

Sub Questions:
*How soon after delivery will I be able to nurse my baby?
*If I am breastfeeding, do you have support available? (If not, can I bring in my own lactation specialist?)
*Does the hospital support formula feeding?

9.What about Cesarean? Knowing the hospitals policies on emergency c/sections is important! (Especially since some regions seem quick to push a cesarean, even when not necessary!)

Sub Questions:
*How long after the birth will I be allow skin-to-skin contact with my baby?
*What is hospital policy on Discharge post-cesarean?
*How do you handle emergency C-sections? How long is the average time spent in recovery?

10. What if something goes wrong? I hate to have to go here, I really do. But unfortunately sometimes? It’s necessary.

Sub Questions:
*Does the hospital have a NICU?
*Are there any reasons my baby would need to be transferred to another hospital?

11. What is the hospitals policy on discharging? Do they have a standard time, or is it a case-by-case scenario?

Sub Questions:
*Is there a specific time of day that you do standards discharges?
*Do you offer any post-discharge support? (Can I call a nurse? Or am I on my own with my regular doctor?)
*Do you do carseat checks?

I recently went hunting with a good friend who is 25 weeks and in desperate need of good maternity clothes! She’d read online that JC Penney, Old Navy and even Sears carried plus size maternity clothes. But she was hesitant to even waste her time, knowing that their selection of regular plus size clothes was slim, especially in her size 26.

So we hit the ground running and made a day of it. Finding nothing. Absolutely nothing. (JC Penney had one outfit. And it wasn’t something my grandmother would wear, let alone a 20-something!) So she had to turn to the internet, and I’ve decided to share with you the 5 shops she found and LOVED!

5 Places to Buy Plus Size Maternity Clothes

Destination Maternity has a great selection of maternity clothes. (Double bonus: They have a few maternity/nursing bras!) Out of the five places we ordered? Destination Maternity was the quickest to arrive, so that was a HUGE plus! DM goes up to a size 26 in their “3x” but we found that it ran a little loose compared to a few of the other sites.

Mommylicious Maternity had some SUPER cute, super stylish selections! Decent prices, and a selection of formal wear! (Which is near impossible to find in a decent price range if you’ve got a wedding or another event you need formal wear for!) Confession Time : I may have ordered a few tops from here for my current non-pregnant self!

ThredUp has the smalled plus size options of the this list, many of their clothes only going up to a 2X (which let’s be real – when you have a 40-K bra size NOT pregnant? A 2X is not going to squeeze your over inflated pregnancy boobs and still look appropriate for anywhere family-friendly!) But we’ve included them because if you’re able to fit a size 16 or 2x? They have some GREAT prices and some adorable outfits!

Motherhood Maternity is hands down my favorite shop! (Mostly because if you’re lucky? You’ve got one locally!) Unfortunately? Our closest one is a 70 minute drive, and doesn’t carry much plus size in stock. But? They’re online selection is AWESOME and they fit “True to size” in most cases!

SimplyBe may be my new favorite shopping site in general! They have great prices, cute clothes and their quick to ship! My biggest complaint is that navigating their site? Maternity isn’t a boldly labeled category. BUT…. they have some great non-maternity tops that seem to fit pregnant bellies in a VERY flattering way too!

Do you have a favorite place for plus size maternity clothes that we didn’t mention? We’d love tips and links, so please feel free to share in the comments!

]]>http://plussizedpregnancy.com/5-2/feed/0215When things don’t go as planned (Life One Handed)http://plussizedpregnancy.com/things-dont-go-planned/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/things-dont-go-planned/#commentsWed, 01 Jun 2016 16:24:08 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=203Unfortunately, Pregnancy Problems is something I know all too much about. (And so here I will share my story.) No, I didn’t have gestational diabetes, or even morning sickness! (I realize how incredibly lucky I was!!) But I had 2 major complications at the very end of my pregnancy which I never in my wildest […]

]]>Unfortunately, Pregnancy Problems is something I know all too much about. (And so here I will share my story.)

No, I didn’t have gestational diabetes, or even morning sickness! (I realize how incredibly lucky I was!!) But I had 2 major complications at the very end of my pregnancy which I never in my wildest dreams imagined.

I had a smooth time up until 34 weeks. (And I was so clueless as to how things were going to go! I even told my husband “Plan to come home at 37 weeks exactly” He was a truck driver and in my mind? He was going to come home, then we’d have a week together while I was pregnant. Then we’d go for long walks and have lots of sex (because, you know? Those things induce labor according to all the internet experts!) Our perfect baby would be born at 38 weeks, and he would use his last 4 weeks of vacation time to spend our babies first month at home.

Pregnancy Problems

At 34 1/2 weeks, I was admitted to the hospital and put on bedrest for Preeclampsia. My husband was 2,000 miles away on the east coast. And I was stuck laying on my left side (because if I rolled over my blood pressure would spike) for 2.5 days until he got home.

Leading to 20 hours of labor, full of spikes (my blood pressure) and plummets (my babies heart rate) and ending in an emergency c-section.

Now, it’d be nice if I could say it ended there. (And really, it did. Now that I’m 8 years removed from the situation.) But it didn’t.

My beautiful baby was born. My husband brought the baby to me, showed me that it was missing it’s left hand, and then disappeared with the nurses to the nursery. (I still didn’t know my babies sex, as we’d opted to not find out!) The doctor stitched me up and then left me in recovery. Alone.

FOUR HOURS LATER? I still hadn’t heard or seen anyone. I didn’t know what was wrong with my baby. I didn’t even know if it was a he or she! (Queue panic attack!)

When I finally met my baby girl? I learned that she was perfectly fine, with the exception of missing fingers.

Dealing With This News

I put on a strong exterior. I knew I would have to advocate for my daughter in her medical care, to learn what she had in store.

She was first diagnosed with Amniotic Band Syndrome, although a second opinion thought that it may be Symbrachydactyly. We’ll never really know what the actual cause, and honestly? At this point I don’t care. (Nothing is going to grow her fingers, and she’s doing just fine now.)

I quickly started searching the internet for people like my little one. I found Born Just Right. A blog about a girl who was only a few years older and born missing her let arm just above the elbow. (In fact, her 5 tips I wish I knew six years ago post is one I have referred many people to over the years.) Living One Handed is another blog I have loved over time!

I spent a lot of time sad. (Mostly privately.) Grieving for all the things my daughter would never be able to do. For all the times I KNEW she would be bullied. (At 8 years old and the end of 2nd grade? We’ve only had 2 incidents of bullying, so I consider us lucky!)

I spent some time angry. At myself. At my husband. At God. At my doctor. I could list a million people I got angry at, knowing that it meant nothing in the big scheme of things.

I spent time traveling to doctors offices, since no one in our town specialized in kids with missing hands. We travelled to Shriner’s hospital. We travelled to specialists in Northern Colorado. We spent time researching prosthetics.

Moving Forward

There came a time (for me, luckily it came quickly) where I had to realize that this was life and life was going to be ok.

Had you told me 8 years ago that one day I would yell (across the crowded parking lot) at that precious baby to “Just use both hands!!” I would have thought you were crazy. I couldn’t imagine a life where I didn’t constantly fixate on her missing fingers.

Or that I would be speaking publicly about this precious reminder that sometimes things don’t go as planned? (Speaking publicly at all is a huge step of OMG for me, let alone about this!)

I wouldn’t have believed you. I just couldn’t comprehend that.

But here’s the thing. Sometimes? Our pregnancies don’t go perfectly. Most of the time we’re lucky and everything works out ok in the end. (Sure, we may have more doctors appointments, higher medical bills, occupational therapy and extra tears when things don’t come as easily as they do to other children. But they’re mostly ok.)

The most important thing I have learned in 8 years of having a child with only one hand? You need to search out a support system. It can be local. It can be a mommy group on facebook. It can be another blogger. But you need to find someone to take this journey with you!

Have you struggled through something related to pregnancy/childbirth that resulted in needing support? Did you find a great support system out there? I’d love to hear more about it so that we can hopefully help others together!

]]>http://plussizedpregnancy.com/things-dont-go-planned/feed/1203How to break up with your doctorhttp://plussizedpregnancy.com/break-up-with-your-doctor/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/break-up-with-your-doctor/#respondMon, 30 May 2016 16:01:19 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=198Unfortunately, sometimes (especially in a Plus Sized Pregnancy) it can become necessary to break up with your doctor. This is (almost) always an uncomfortable situation, so I thought I’d give you a few pieces of advice from my personal experience! With my daughter, I went through 3 doctors before I found one that I was […]

]]> Unfortunately, sometimes (especially in a Plus Sized Pregnancy) it can become necessary to break up with your doctor. This is (almost) always an uncomfortable situation, so I thought I’d give you a few pieces of advice from my personal experience!

With my daughter, I went through 3 doctors before I found one that I was comfortable with. (And he has since retired, so I’m dreading this process in the future!)

Reasons to break up with your doctor

The makes you feel uncomfortable : Trust your gut on this one!! Maybe he makes snarky comments about your weight, or it’s something else in general. (Sure, a good doctor will mention your weight, and maybe even encourage you with ways to control it. Their job is to help you be healthy! But if they are nagging, obnoxious or just plain rude? Kick them to the curb!

They aren’t listening to you : If you don’t feel that your concerns are being heard? Remember, you know your body! And trusting your gut is so important!

The office staff is rude : This goes along with the doctor making you uncomfortable – but maybe the nurse or even the receptionist is rude to you. There’s no need to be treated that way!

They won’t approach your care the way you feel is best : This is one to think LONG and HARD about! But unfortunately sometimes? Your doctor (for whatever reason) may not want to approach your care the way you feel you deserve. A good example of this is (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) VBAC‘s – there are so many different opinions on this, and some doctors refuse to attempt it. (Even though in many instances it’s perfectly safe!)

Any other reason : Trust your gut!! (I know I keep repeating that!) There are many many reasons to leave a doctor – and that ultimately is up to you and your partner as to why and when to leave a doctor.

How to break up with your doctor

The most important thing BEFORE breaking up is to trust your instinct on this one. The second doctor I went to? I didn’t even finish my appointment because she made me feel so uncomfortable and I didn’t feel like she was listening to my concerns. (That was an uncomfortable moment for me, I’m incredibly shy and my husband is a HUGE introvert – so we both had huge anxiety over leaving!)

Bring up concerns : You can avoid the awkward moment of having to leave (sometimes) if you bring up your concerns as soon as they arise! This won’t always fix the problem, sometimes doctors are just not the right fit for you. (And sometimes, unfortunately? They just aren’t good doctors!) But if they don’t know you’re having an issue? They can’t fix it!

This can also bring up the opportunity for you to simply say “This isn’t working for me.” And you’ve got your out!

Tell them why : If you feel like this information can or will help? Let them know why. (Of course, this isn’t always comfortable, and it isn’t always an option!)

Just Go : Sometimes? The only way you feel you can approach breaking up is to just leave. Simply don’t schedule your next appointment!

We’ve broken up, now what?

I know that was hard – breaking up is never easy! And doctors have a way of guilting us sometimes but just remember that your gut is important here! You’re taking care of yourself and your baby, and sometimes you just need to get out of there! But there’s a few things you need to do now!

Report the doctor : You may need to report the doctor. If they are doing something that is potentially harmful to their patience? This may be necessary! The American Medical Association has all the information you need.

Request your records : Now that you have a new doctor, you need to request any records the old doctor might have be sent over! (If you only attended half of one appointment, like in my case? Don’t worry about this!)

I know breaking up with a doctor is never a comfortable situation, but sometimes? It’s necessary! I hope that this post has in some way helped you to take steps towards finding the best doctor for you! If so, please help someone else out by sharing this on your favorite social media platform!

]]>http://plussizedpregnancy.com/break-up-with-your-doctor/feed/01984 tips for finding a size-friendly healthcare providerhttp://plussizedpregnancy.com/4-tips-finding-size-friendly-healthcare-provider/
http://plussizedpregnancy.com/4-tips-finding-size-friendly-healthcare-provider/#commentsThu, 26 May 2016 21:12:30 +0000http://plussizedpregnancy.com/?p=188One of the scariest things for me while I was pregnant was finding a size-friendly healthcare provider! (And since my beloved doctor has since retired? I’m getting anxiety again as we start talking about TTC!) I have such anxiety over doctors, and am blessed with a fabulous general practitioner for my every-day needs. Before I […]

]]>One of the scariest things for me while I was pregnant was finding a size-friendly healthcare provider! (And since my beloved doctor has since retired? I’m getting anxiety again as we start talking about TTC!) I have such anxiety over doctors, and am blessed with a fabulous general practitioner for my every-day needs.

Before I jump into my tips, I need to be honest. This part of pregnancy can be less than fun. When I was pregnant with my daughter? I went through three doctors before I finally settled on one. (And I was 50 pounds lighter back then.) But having a great (size-friendly) health care provider is a hugely important thing!

4 tips for finding a size-friendly healthcare provider

1. Think about a midwife.

Many of my local friends (plus size or not) use midwives for their pregnancies. While we were at a recent homeschool event I bumped into another mom who happens to be a midwife, so I took the chance to ask her a few questions! She told me that a lot of plus-sized moms have told her that they feel comfortable because she (and midwives in general) focus on knowing that your body knows what it’s supposed to do, no matter the size.

This specific midwife told me that she does monitor weight, simply to watch for other complications, but that it very rarely plays a roll in the success of the pregnancy. (And for the record? She told me that 3 of the 5 most recent complications that have come up? Were average size women, not plus-size. Sure, us plus-size women have more risks, but most often? Those risks are just that, risks. Nothing comes of them.)

2. Ask around.

If you know other plus-size moms? Ask who they recommend. If you are fortunate to have a general practitioner that you love? Ask his/her recommendation.

(When I was pregnant with my first, I didn’t have any mom-friends. So I had no one to ask, which is part of what I attribute to my switching doctors so many times.)

3. Interview Them.

A lot of times you can do this with a simple phone call! Ask to speak to one of the nurses (or if you’re lucky the doctor) and then you can (anonymously) question their experience level! Find out if they have experience with plus-size moms.

During this phone call you can also gauge how accepting they are of your questions. Do they seem annoyed? Or more compassionate?

4. Trust your gut

If you’re making that initial phone call and the nurse seems annoyed? You’re at the check-in desk and the receptionist makes you feel off? You’re stepping on the scale and the nurse makes a huff? (This happened to me!) The doctor seems patronizing? Trust your gut!

I know I mentioned that I went through THREE different practices before I found one I felt comfortable with. You have to be able to stand up for yourself – even if it’s as simple as just not scheduling another appointment with that office.

Finding a doctor that’s a right fit for you is sometimes stressful, and I know it’s easy to feel stuck when it’s not the right fit! Especially being plus size and feeling like your healthcare provider is judging you or looking down on you. Hopefully a few of these tips can help you to determine early on if this medical practice is going to be a good fit for you or not!

Do you have any tips for testing the waters of a new office? If so, I’d love to hear them, so please leave a comment!